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Conformal PICA (C-PICA) Tech Transfer and Commercial Production
Active
TRL 6 (started at 6, targeting 9)
Description
Conformal Phenolic Impregnated Carbon Ablator (C-PICA) is an ablative material developed by NASA for use as reentry heat shield thermal protection. Via a Tipping Point award, Varda will pursue commercial production of C-PICA, as well as test in-flight performance of both Varda and NASA-produced C-PICA. Use of C-PICA is integral to Varda’s mission of facilitating in-space production of materials aboard their capsule and subsequent return to Earth.
Benefits
Commercialization of C-PICA thermal protection system production.
Details
| Technology area | Entry, Descent, and Landing > Aeroassist and Atmospheric Entry > Thermal Protection Systems |
| Program | Flight Opportunities (FO) |
| Lead organization | Varda Space Industries, Inc., Torrance, CA |
| Start date | 2023-07-01 |
| End date | 2027-07-31 |
Project contacts
Listed on TechPort itself — the most direct way to ask about this specific project.
How to get involved
This is early/mid-stage (TRL 6) — the most realistic path in is NASA SBIR/STTR, which funds small businesses and research institutions to develop technology aligned with NASA's needs (equity-free, phased funding). Check whether a current SBIR/STTR solicitation topic overlaps with this project's technology area, or contact the project directly (above) to ask.
None of these are guaranteed paths for this specific project — TechPort itself doesn't have an "apply" button. Reaching out to the contact(s) above with a specific question is usually the fastest way to find out what's actually open.